ICT and Computing

Our aim

ICT is a fundamental component of teaching at Reed’s School. The curriculum is focussed initially on ensuring that pupils have the core transferable skills in utilising packages for the presentation of work. Subsequently the curriculum follows a more computing based path designed to develop the logical problem solving skills of pupils through designing and creating programming solutions to problems by using a wide range of languages and design methodologies.

Outside of formal teaching, pupils have access to well-resourced, modern computer suites where they are encouraged to work independently, using facilities for presentation of work for examinations and for research. All pupils have their own email address and access to both the internet and the School’s intranet. Through various portals, they can access work and software used in school from their home computer.

Year 7 (First Form)

All pupils - 1 lesson per week

At the start of the academic year pupils are involved in a number of projects designed to develop their skills in the use of Microsoft office products. During the rest of the year they are introduced to the concepts of Computing through the use of Flowol.

Year 8 (Second Form)

All pupils - 2 lessons per week

The work in this year is designed to develop a better all round understanding of ICT and Computing including projects based around algorithm design and designing systems in order to develop logical thinking skills. Having acquired the necessary analysis and design skills students are introduced to building form applications using Visual Basic to further develop their logical thinking skills.

Year 9(Third Form)

All pupils – 2 lessons per week

The work in this year is based on a series of mini-projects which involve all of the skills learned so far plus new ones based on several aspects of computing. At the end of this year pupils can optionally choose to study for a GCSE in Computing or if they do not want a formal qualification, simply use their skills in other subjects.

Years 10 and 11(Fourth and Fifth Form)

GCSE Computing (5 lessons per week)

This course is for those pupils who want a more in depth knowledge of current and emerging computer technologies. The emphasis is on computing as a problem solving tool. Pupils learn algorithm design and programming in a high level language, Visual Basic. Pupils will acquire knowledge and understanding of computer design, networking, software design and the impact of computing technology on society.

Years 12 and 13(The Sixth Form)

A Level Computing (8 lessons per week)

In the Sixth Form pupils study Computing A Level. This course is highly practical and focuses on the key areas of programming and the use of computers and software in problem solving. This includes algorithm design, coding in Visual Basic and the use of communication and networking technologies. The emphasis is on computational thinking using abstraction and decomposition: the study of computing is about what can be computed and how it can be done.

The study of computing will support a natural progression towards a large number of potential careers which require the automation of problem solving or processes. This might include activities such as mapping the human genome, creating industrial applications, engineering, multimedia design or helping to maintain networks and databases.

“Computers themselves, and software yet to be developed, will revolutionize the way we learn.”